DRIVE A NAIL WHERE IT WILL GO. 55 



" Yes, sir, I'm William Morgan, or rather I once was, for I 

 am now known as Morgan Holland. And you are Mr. Talbot, 

 as your voice told me at once." 



" Montague Talbot, once more at your service," laughed 

 the clergyman. " And William Morgan is the Morgan 

 Holland who is taking the racing world by storm, eh ? " 



" I am that individual," said Morgan. "But what brings 

 you here, sir ? " 



" Oh ! I'm doing duty for my friend Westlake, who has 

 gone honeymooning for a month or so, as no doubt you 

 know. But I must be off now, as I have an important 

 appointment to keep ; will you come up to supper to-night 

 at eight o'clock, and then we can have a chat ? I suppose 

 you are living in the neighbourhood?" 



" Yes, sir, my rooms are in High Street. But may I ask 

 one question before you go ? My parents, sir ? " 



" Are well, Morgan, and I am pleased to say are friends 

 of mine now. Your father is a partner in the firm of 

 Melbourne and Morgan, and has forgiven you all the worry 

 you caused him, you scamp. When they learn that you are 

 earning an honest living, they will welcome you back 

 cordially." 



" Thank you, sir, and good-bye for the present. I shall be 

 so glad to have a chat with you this evening." 



It may be imagined that the two found plenty to talk of 

 that night. Talbot told the young jockey that he had become 

 vicar of Long Buckle}^, and that he had set himself the task 

 of making friends with Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. It had been a 

 hard battle, but the lawyer's prejudices had gradually given 

 way before the sound common sense of the clergyman, who 

 refused to be rebuffed by rudeness, and had at last wormed 

 his way into the affections of the two Morgans. Mr. 

 Talbot told the young man of the changes at the training 

 establishments and elsewhere, and then Morgan had to 



